Suspect arrested in Virginia sheriff’s deputy shooting after two-day manhunt
Michael Puckett, aged 55, was apprehended in Surry County, North Carolina, following a two-day search. He is accused of fatally shooting Virginia sheriff’s deputy Logan Utt. Authorities report that Puckett fired upon two deputies during a welfare check in Carroll County. Governor Abigail Spanberger commended Deputy Utt for his courage and commitment to serving his community.
In California, a six-hour manhunt at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton concluded with the capture of two individuals. They had breached the base during a police chase and left behind a vehicle loaded with over 110 pounds of cocaine and fentanyl, according to officials.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) described the event as “high-stakes,” beginning when the two suspects, trying to escape local law enforcement, forced their way through a base gate.
After crashing through the gate, the suspects abandoned their vehicle in a military housing area and took off on foot, NCIS reported.
The breach led to a temporary shelter-in-place directive as authorities worked diligently to secure the base.
Authorities launched a six-hour manhunt after two suspects allegedly breached Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton during a police pursuit. (Naval Criminal Investigative Service)
NCIS said a multi-agency search involving approximately 30 personnel was launched to locate the suspects.
For six hours, military and law enforcement personnel searched the sprawling base using real-time intelligence and tracking support from the NCIS Multiple Threat Alert Center and Regional Enforcement Action Capabilities Team.
Authorities said both suspects were ultimately taken into custody without incident.
Authorities seized more than 112 pounds of cocaine and fentanyl after two suspects allegedly breached Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. (Naval Criminal Investigative Service)
Investigators later discovered approximately 51 kilograms — more than 112 pounds — of cocaine and fentanyl inside the suspects’ vehicle, according to NCIS.
“Thanks to NCIS personnel, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, CA, Camp Pendleton Provost Marshal’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration – DEA, US Border Patrol, and other responding agencies, for your seamless teamwork and dedication to keeping our military installations safe!” NCIS posted on social media.
NCIS and multiple law enforcement agencies participated in the search for two suspects who allegedly entered Camp Pendleton during a pursuit. (Naval Criminal Investigative Service)
Officials did not immediately release the identities of the suspects or announce what charges they may face.
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